Social Worker II

University of Illinois School of Social Work; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension program

Paid personal/ sick leave

Flexible work schedules

Health benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

Illinois Department of Human Services at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center seeks a licensed social worker to provide professional services on an assigned unit for mentally ill patients. The role includes assessment, treatment, case management, discharge planning and potential courtroom testimony as needed.

The position requires a Master’s in Social Work with 1 year of relevant experience and ASL communication ability. Multidisciplinary teamwork and adherence to policies are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in social work and 1 year of related professional experience.
• Must be able to communicate through American Sign Language at Intermediate Plus level per SLPI.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional social work services in treatment of mentally ill patients on an assigned unit.
• Case management including funding applications, psychoeducation, liaison with hospital and community agencies, and advocacy.
• Discharge planning, court reporting, and acting as a qualified examiner when required.
• Complete documentation of assessments, treatment, and discharge planning per policy.

Skills

American Sign Language

Case management

Discharge planning

Documentation

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work

Job description

• Performs professional social work services in the treatment of mentally ill individuals on an assigned unit.
• Provides case management (includes completing funding applications, psychoeducation for consumer and family, acting as liaison between hospital and community agencies advocate for the consumer, etc.), individual therapy, family therapy and group therapies as directed by the master multi- disciplinary treatment plan for patients under his/her direct care and for patients on his/her unit in the case of group therapies.
• Has a principal role and responsibility in the discharge planning process.
• Assumes responsibility to act as qualified examiner as necessary for evaluating, making clinical assessments, completing certificate and testifying in court.
• Completes all documentation of assessments, treatment and discharge planning according to hospital policy and mental health code requirements.
• Serves on the Department and/or Hospital committees as necessary at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID: 58208

Location: Chicago, Illinois, 60634

Bilingual Option: Manual Communication (Sign)

Opening Date: 8/21/2026

Closing Date: 9/03/2026

Salary: Anticipated Salary: $6,460 - $9,337 per month ($77,520 - $112,044 per year) + bilingual pay

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

Under general supervision, performs professional social work services in the treatment of mentally ill patients on an assigned unit. These services include (among others) assessment, treatment, writing/submitting court reports, performing general case management, discharge planning and where indicated acting as a qualified examiner. Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, Central Management Services (CMS) and other agency standards and objectives. Serves on the Department and/or Hospital committees as necessary at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center. Utilizes American Sign Language with patients/individuals who are deaf and/or hard of hearing.

Essential Functions

• Performs professional social work services in the treatment of mentally ill individuals on an assigned unit.
• Provides case management (includes completing funding applications, psychoeducation for consumer and family, acting as liaison between hospital and community agencies advocate for the consumer, etc.), individual therapy, family therapy and group therapies as directed by the master multi- disciplinary treatment plan for patients under his/her direct care and for patients on his/her unit in the case of group therapies.
• Has a principal role and responsibility in the discharge planning process.
• Assumes responsibility to act as qualified examiner as necessary for evaluating, making clinical assessments, completing certificate and testifying in court.
• Completes all documentation of assessments, treatment and discharge planning according to hospital policy and mental health code requirements.
• Serves on the Department and/or Hospital committees as necessary at Chicago-Read Mental Health Center.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master’s degree in social work from a recognized college or university supplemented by one (1) year of professional social work experience in the evaluation and treatment/habilitation of mentally ill, developmentally disabled or other disabled persons.
• Requires the ability to communicate through American sign language at an Intermediate Plus skill level per the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI).

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to restrain patients as necessary to prevent injury to patient and others.
• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Requires the ability to stoop, bend, lift or exert up to 20 pounds of force in performance of duties.
• Requires the ability to physically access various worksites throughout the hospital for administrative and clinical duties.
• Requires the ability to testify in court.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.
• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

* All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours:See below:

(1 vacancy) Monday - Friday with the choice of 7am-3pm, 7:30am-3:30pm, 8am-4pm, 8:30-4:30pm, or 9am-5pm. Each shift requires 1 late day per week of 11am-7pm,12pm-8pm, or 1pm-9pm; Every weekend off with the exception of working one weekend day every 6 weeks with the corresponding Tuesday off; 30-minute unpaid lunch; Unit A-South.

Headquarter Location:

4200 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60634Division of Behavioral Health and RecoveryChicago-Read Mental Health CenterSocial Work

Work County:

Cook

Agency Contact:

[e-mail]

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension ProgramCompetitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)* Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour Work Schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program and Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx